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[Page 6 of our Fall 2006 mission trip to Central America]

(18)  [Oct 8th]  While visiting with Myra we had the opportunity to go to the Songs of Joy orphanage, a christian based ministry full of wonderful children.  Myra had served there for some years herself when she first arrived in Guatemala.  Kyle and Lorin took right to the children, making little games and getting precious photos.  David was able to set things up so we could do a short version of our children's crusade. 

We started off with a puppet show by Kyle and Lorin which captured every child's attention.  It included a skit on 'forgiveness' created by them using their increasing skill in the Spanish language,  a real accomplishment that seemed to speak to many hearts.

Debbie walks the garden paths of this very beautiful orphanage.

Erica gets instant attention with her stories of 'life on the outside'

Lorin had no trouble getting the children to ham it up in front of Kyle's camera.

Then they passed out little bubble making gifts which made for a very fun time for everyone.

Now it was Pinky's turn to do a dance and talk on having joy from a right heart with God.

Afterwards, tiny finger puppets, donated by Kyle and Lorin, were given to each child as Lorin explained that they, too, could be witnesses for the Lord sharing the Good News of Jesus' love.

But now came a very sad good-bye as Kyle and Lorin had to fly back home, their time with us expired, though in their hearts they would have stayed in the mission field indefinitely.  Such a varied experience this had been, through storms at sea and challenges ashore, all for the sake of discovering one's gift and calling, all for the chance to give God the best one has. The journey was not easy.  Situations tested the extent of their resolve and exposed the substance of their character.  Each time they exceeded our expectations proving themselves sincere, willing servants at heart. 

Their first interest in this voyage was to know the life of the sea and missions - I think that they got a fair taste of both.  And if there was disappointment, they were kind in keeping it to themselves.  Often I reminded them that when you move to the front of battle the war is become more manifest and being shot at inevitable - one must not dispair that the course only becomes more difficult the further from harbor you sail.  In all earnest I hope that I may have imparted a sufficient portion of my life's experience that, through that process, I may, indeed, "multiply myself." [read our current newsletter]  Debbie and I will greatly miss them.  May God bless them both.

[Click here for more stories and photos as  we do our Children's Crusade at the Casa Guatemala orphanage and at a Mayan school, plus other ministry activities]